How is a Film Certified by the Censor Board (CBFC)?
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
October 14, 2015
The issue of Film Certification has been discussed time & again in the context of the role of the Censor Board. But how does the Censor Board certify a film? What is the process followed? Who certifies a film and how?
Indian Film Industry is the largest, making over 1250 feature films every year and a much larger number of short films every year. There has always been a lot of discussion over film certification; more so lately after the censor board issued a list of banned swear words. This drew a lot of ire from the filmmakers that such actions are against the freedom & creative liberty. In this multi-part series on CBFC, we start with taking a look at what CBFC is and how the films are certified.
Why is Film Certification Necessary?
The Supreme Court in a judgment in 1989 said, ‘Film censorship becomes necessary because a film motivates thought and action and assures a high degree of attention and retention as compared to the printed word. The combination of act and speech, sight and sound in semi darkness of the theatre with elimination of all distracting ideas will have a strong impact on the minds of the viewers and can affect emotions. Therefore, it has as much potential for evil as it has for good and has an equal potential to instill or cultivate violent or good behaviour. It cannot be equated with other modes of communication. Censorship by prior restraint is, therefore, not only desirable but also necessary.’
What is Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) or the Censor Board?
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) or more commonly known as the Censor Board is a statutory body under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, regulating the public exhibition of films. The board, set up under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 functions with its headquarters at Mumbai. The CBFC has nine regional offices, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack & Guwahati. Currently headed by Pahlaj Nihlani, the members of the panel are appointed by the Central Government for a period of 2 years by drawing people from different walks of life.
At present, films are certified under 4 categories: U, UA, A& S.
Number of Films Certified
According to the official figures from CBFC, a total of 40,325 certificates were issued by CBFC between 2009 & 2011. (Data is only available up to 2011 on the CBFC website)
The Process for Certification of Films
The Cinematograph Rules explicitly state the process to be followed by a producer to get his film or video film certified, including the materials to be submitted and the fees to be paid.
Time limits for the Certification Process:
Rule 41 of the Cinematograph rules prescribe the following time limits for the certification process:
The following documents show the entire process step by step for the film Munna Pandey Berozgaar. These documents have been obtained under the RTI act by Media Watch India, a non-profit working for accountability in the Media.
Sample Form 1A – Munna Pande Berozgaar:
Sample Examining Officers Response – Munna Pandey Berozgaar:
Voluntary and Recommended Cuts List – Munna Pandey Berozgaar:
Cuts Verification by Examining Committee – Munna Pandey Berozgaar:
Sample Examining Officers Response – Munna Pandey Berozgaar:
Sample Final Certificate – Munna Pandey Berozgaar
The complete document for the Certification of the film, Munna Pandey Berozgaar can be found here.
The Guiding Principles in Certifying Films
The Cinematograph Act lays down that a film shall not be certified if any part of it is against the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite commission of any offence.
The Central Government has issued a detailed list of guidelines, which include some of the following: